Sections

Towns

Volker Kaempfert, 59

Tuesday, November 19, 2013 - 11:29am

Volker Kaempfert of Martha's Vineyard and Scottsdale, Ariz., died peacefully on the morning of Nov. 18 at his home in West Tisbury after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. His wife Kathy was by his side. He was 59.

He was born in Braunlage, Germany, on Jan. 4, 1954. Volker attended school in Germany and received a degree in hotel management. He soon became interested in law enforcement, specializing in the anti-terrorism division with the German police. He went on in his career to work for Lufthansa Airlines, security division, traveling between Chile and New York. He later accepted employment in the security department for the United Nations, working first on the secretary general's detail, and then as a detective.

He met and married his wife of 20 years, Kathleen Reilly Kaempfert, in Cold Spring, N.Y. After choosing to make Martha's Vineyard their home, he left law enforcement and pursued a career as a cabinetmaker, in addition to using his skills in the hospitality field to own and operate The Farmhouse B & B. Volker and Kathy moved to Arizona, where he taught German and English to students of the Berlitz Language School in Phoenix.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his father, Klaus Kaempfert, his brother Michael and sister Monica Stoffers, all of Germany; stepson Jamison Peter Hold and wife Suzanne Baker; two grandsons, Griffon and Grant Hold; nieces Nadine and Nicole Anglesey of New York; and nephews Sebastian Stoffers and Michael Kaempfert of Goslar, Germany. He was predeceased by his mother, Ruth, and sister, Susie.

Volker enjoyed spirited political discussions, was well informed in many disciplines, and loved learning. He was multi-talented, excelled in languages, and had a great sense of humor. He was a consummate athlete, soccer player in school and he played on the U.N. soccer team. He enjoyed biking, boxing and weightlifting.

He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Viewing hours will take place at the Clinton Funeral Home, 21 Parrot Street, Cold Spring, N.Y., on Friday, Nov. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. with a service at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to your local hospice organization or Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, P.O. Box 2549, Oak Bluffs, MA 02257 are greatly appreciated.

Comments (6)

Phyllis & Rich Kugler, West Tisbury, MA

Kathy, It is really true that it was our pleasure knowing Volker. It is because of both of you that we are living here. Our deepest sympathies to you and the rest of the family. Phyllis & Rich

Dear Kathy ,
We are so sorry for your loss and find ourselves shocked to learn of Volker's death upon just now reading the news of it. Getting to know Volker during the times we stayed at The Farmhouse in recent years was a joy. He was so smart and talented. We loved it when he could share some time with us be it for some political meanderings or woodworking show and tell. He was an impressive person in all his know-how. We are so sad. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Martha and George Snelling

DEAR KATHY, WE JUST LEARNED THAT VOLKER HAD DIED AND WANTED TO TELL YOU HOW SORRY WE ARE. WE ALWAYS ENJOYED VISITING WITH HIM AT THE FARMHOUSE AND WILL CERTAINLY MISS HIM. IT MUST BE A VERY SAD TIME FOR YOU. PLEASE ACCEPT OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY. PETER AND TIMMY